The principal entered a little later, gave to the other boy the package of writing paper Miss Kennedy had sent for, and then sat down beside Bert.
"I am sorry to have to do this, Bert," he said, "but this is a serious matter and I must treat it seriously. Now again, I ask if you have anything to say to me? Perhaps you were too worried to stand up before the whole school."
"No, sir," answered Bert, "I don't know that I have anything to say, if you mean about the big snowball."
"Then you deny that you had anything to do with it?"
"Yes, sir. I never helped roll it on the steps."
"Do you know who did?"
"No, sir. I haven't the least idea."
"And you were not anywhere near it?"
"No, sir."
"Ahem! Let me ask you, have you a knife, Bert?"